Upside Down People

Doctors gave him hours to live and rolled him to the end of the hall - but then Ken Chinn had a supernatural ENCOUNTER WITH GOD that saved his life!

Ken Chinn is a financial consultant, author of the book An Encounter with the Healer, musician, and podcast host who survived a brutal near-death COVID battle when four doctors dismissed him to die.

He reveals:◼️The desperate prayer that God answers when everything else fails◼️The exact words he heard from God that gave him faith to live◼️The supernatural light and warmth that poured over his body in the hospital room◼️Why a near-death experience lit a fire in his heart to live 100% for Christ◼️How God still speaks today — even at a gas station with a $100 bill

Find out more about Ken Chinn, his book and his "Encounters With God" Podcast - https://www.kenchinn.com/

Historian and public advocate for Christian faith John Dickson uncovers the OLDEST Christian hymn with musical notation—rediscovered after 1800 years—and brings it back to life through a stunning modern collaboration with Chris Tomlin & Ben Fielding!

John Dickson is an academic historian, author, theologian, and founder of Undeceptions, with decades dedicated to making ancient Christianity accessible and compelling in today's world.

He reveals:◼️ The incredible story of the mid-200s AD hymn buried in Egyptian sands—and why it's proof of joyful Trinitarian worship BEFORE Nicaea

◼️ How this ancient melody reminds us to be joyful, non-grumpy Christians even in hardship◼️ How persecuted Egyptian Christians sang confident praise amid Roman arrests and martyrdoms◼️ Why connecting to 1800-year-old songs combats our culture's obsession with the new and unstable◼️ The surprising 'brain explosion' moment that turned a dusty papyrus into a global film, album, and church resource

"Why does money cause so much shame, isolation & anxiety for Christians in a 'lucky country' like Australia?

Hope Economy CEO Rosie Kendall reveals the BIBLICAL truths & practical steps to break financial overwhelm, build real community & disciple your money for God's kingdom!

Rosie Kendall leads Hope Economy (formerly Christians Against Poverty Australia), a ministry that's helped thousands escape debt & distress while sharing Jesus' love through churches for over 26 years.

She explains:◼️Why financial struggle pushes people to the margins & isolates them from church community◼️The shame trap of 'we should have enough' in Australia's wealthy culture – & how circumstances, not just choices, create hardship◼️How to spot needs in your community by slowing down & asking better questions (instead of assuming)◼️The power of simply sitting with someone in overwhelm – making one phone call together can be transformative◼️Why Jesus invites us to intentional money discipleship: see money as a practical tool to reflect kingdom values, generosity & abundance (not scarcity)◼️Small steps to grow generosity, create margin & teach kids stewardship without fear or formulas"

To learn more about Hope Economy - https://hopeeconomy.org.au/

John Dickson is a leading historian, author, and expert on early Christianity.

In this moment, John reveals why ancient creeds and hymns connect us to Christians across centuries—even in the face of persecution—and how they offer enduring stability for the soul. From joyful songs sung by martyrs in Roman Egypt, to the historical reliability of Jesus and the Bible that stands up to scrutiny unlike any other faith, he shares a confident, hope-filled way to face doubt, division, and a grumpy world.

Why does everything feel unstable and changing so fast? This is a teaser episode—with the full conversation dropping next week.

Why does the Bible feel distant or flat in our modern lives? Theologian and biblical scholar Alastair Roberts reveals the how reading Scripture deeply transforms your faith, prayer, and community!

Alastair Roberts is a teacher at The Theopolis Institute and Davenant Institute a host of the Mere Fidelity Podcast and has producing a comprehensive chapter-by-chapter Bible commentary while equipping people to hear Scripture on its own terms through typology, symbolism, and literary depth.

He explains:◼️ The dangerous habit of approaching the Bible with OUR questions instead of letting IT question us◼️ How to listen attentively to Scripture's inner connections, artistry, and typology without forcing connections◼️ Why rushing to interpretation (or application) robs us of truly hearing God's Word◼️ The Psalms as a "condensed Bible" that metabolize Scripture into song, prayer, lament, and community◼️ How singing and embodying the Psalms combats isolation, anxiety, and cultural individualism.

To find out more about Alastair and his work - https://alastairadversaria.com/

Why does the Jesus we see in culture today feel so different from the one in the Bible? Susy Flory (New York Times bestselling writer, PhD) & Scott Johanningsmeier (bivocational Pastor) are New Testament scholars who co-authored the book 'Jesus Was Not What We Expected, But Better Than We Imagined' . We have a conversation around how Jesus turns everything upside down—nonviolent, friend of sinners, servant of enemies—and why rediscovering him brings hope in a chaotic, divided world!

They explain:

◼️How a simple 3-word Facebook post ('Jesus was nonviolent') sparked honest conversations in the middle of pandemic & political chaos◼️Why Jesus spent real time with sinners WITHOUT demanding they change first—and what that means for grace today◼️The shocking truth about loving enemies—even dictators or those who hurt us deeply◼️Why 'Jesus is' gets loaded with our assumptions, but looking at who 'Jesus was' strips away the distortions◼️How embodying the humble, servant Jesus could transform the church from performative megachurches to authentic, small-community care"

Find out more about Susy & Scott here: https://jesuswasbook.substack.com/

Grab a copy of their book here

Why does looking inside yourself leave you more anxious, ashamed and lost? Clinical neuropsychologist Joe Johnson reveals the gospel-centred HOPE to disentangling your thoughts and feelings, escaping the cycle of self-promotion or self-protection, and living freely for Jesus!

Jo Johnson is a clinical neuropsychologist with over 30 years of experience working with brain injuries, burnout, trauma, children and adults who are affected by long-term neurological conditions. As a committed follower of Jesus, she integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with biblical truth in her book ‘Disentangled: Taming Your Thoughts and Feelings to Live Freely for Jesus’.

She explains:

◼️Why constantly looking inside reveals only darkness—and why Jesus is the only true covering for our shame◼️The TWO fig leaves we all use (self-promotion & self-protection) that lead to burnout or isolation◼️How to unhook from childish, chaotic thoughts and feelings instead of fighting or obeying them◼️The tiny daily act (like making a cup of tea) that exposes how even small obedience battles reveal our need for grace◼️Why guilt and shame are humanity's deepest wound—and how being hidden in Christ sets us free to look others in the eye

Find a copy of Jo's book from our friends at The Good Book Company here: https://www.thegoodbook.com.au/disentangled

Why do we fear failure so much in our faith journeys? Australian pastor, former breakfast radio host and author Duncan Robinson reveals how grace at the speed of Jesus transforms our messiest moments into powerful redemption stories!

Duncan Robinson is the lead pastor of Northgate Church, former Sydney breakfast radio host, and author of the new book 'Full Phoenix Rising: Real Time Grace at the Speed of Jesus'. In this episode we talk about how grace at the speed of Jesus transforms our messiest moments into powerful redemption stories!

We unpack:◼️The wild Vietnam story that birthed 'Full Phoenix Rising' and why catastrophe creates space for rebirth◼️Why Jesus leads slowly, humbly, through messiness – not with shock and awe marketing◼️How retroactive grace blinds us to real-time redemption in the moment◼️The dangerous shift from polished performance to presence in post-COVID church◼️Why belonging must come before behaving – and how grace meets us in our worst seasons

To find out more about Duncan Robinson - https://www.duncanrobinson.net/

Why does evangelism feel stuck in today's culture? Cultural thinkers and pastors Glen Scrivener and Rory Shiner reveal how the gospel truly breaks through in a post-Christian world obsessed with progress, identity, and anti-woke backlash!

Rory Shiner, pastor of Providence Church, Perth, and Glen Scrivener of Speak Life bring decades of frontline evangelism, cultural apologetics, and gospel proclamation. They unpack how to herald "Jesus is Lord" amid secular assumptions, mental health crises, and shifting political vibes.

We explore:◼️ Why "Jesus is Lord" is the bullseye of every gospel conversation (not just a personal lifestyle tip)◼️ The "yes but no but yes" approach to engage both progressive human rights ideals and conservative responsibility calls◼️ How the anti-Hitler moral story quietly replaced the pro-Jesus vision—and what that means now◼️ Why the church itself needs constant evangelising with the rich, compelling reality of union with Christ◼️ The surprising cultural moment where people are drawn back to Christianity's infrastructure—and how to point them to Jesus Himself

Chapters:

02:29 Understanding the Role of Evangelism

05:23 The Importance of the Gospel in the Church

08:27 Defining Evangelism in Today's Culture

14:17 Cultural Narratives and Their Impact on Evangelism

20:39 The Progress Narrative and Its Challenges

31:21 Engaging with Cultural Narratives in Evangelism

39:39 The Intersection of Masculinity and Faith

41:44 Shifting Narratives in University Evangelism

43:43 Understanding Misconceptions of Christianity

45:18 Public vs. Private: The Western Perspective on Faith

49:00 The Role of Secularism in Modern Christianity

50:10 Public Displays of Religiosity in Contemporary Culture

52:49 Christian Nationalism: A Comparative Analysis

56:43 The Evolution of Gospel Presentation

59:45 Contextualizing the Gospel for Today's World

01:04:04 The Shift in Evangelism: Understanding Modern Faith Conversations

01:07:24 Jesus as the Center: The True Meaning of Abundance

01:09:27 The Role of Debate in Evangelism: A Double-Edged Sword

01:17:46 Navigating Social Media: The Missionary Approach

01:28:56 Excitement in Ministry: Future Projects and Personal Reflections

Find out more about Glen and his work with Speak Life: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakLifeMedia

Find out more about Rory and his work with Providence City Church: https://providencechurch.org.au/city/

Christmas is both the most wonderful time of the year and arguably for many, the most isolating and anxiety inducing time of the year.  But how can we, as Christians, both engage in and enjoy this season in a way that celebrates Jesus and loves others?

With many looking forward to spending time feasting with family and celebrating it’s helpful to try reframe how we look at this season through a gospel lens, as it is only through this lens that we see how all things can be redeemed.

Mark and Nas are the perfect people to have this conversation with - they bring their authenticity, intentionality, joyful hearts, love for Jesus and love for others in how they approach celebrating Christmas. Through the conversation we have fun in discovering how Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year.

*This episode was originally recorded and published back in December 2023 when Santa's sleigh still ran off reindeer power